First Impression: Collistar Make-up

Pas op! (watch out)

This entry doesn't really fall under the category of shopping Dutch-style because I find the following products a bit too expensive even if compared to other make-up line like MAC. But sometimes a girl has to spend on really quality products like make-up to avoid damaging one of the most important part of your body, which is your face. It especially becomes important when you have an ugly reminder of a recent battle with chicken pox like me.

So how did I finally gave in to the call of luxury brand when I am this personal policy of only going for products which are affordable and of good quality? First and foremost, I don't think Lidl produce really good make-up products and second I do not know what shades will go best with my skin. Blame it to my lack of enthusiam in painting my face back when I was still in the tropics. I never really see the need for it. And as you know in my recent blog, I am too lazy for vanity.

In a recent trip to Bubbles near MK's apartment, we visited the make up section because I've been bugging him that I need a foundation which will cover up my littekens (scars) whenever I go out and a nice lipstick that complement my lips. I am not really a make-up person but sometimes I get tired with my face looking so bare with doesn't really complement the clothes that I wear. Of course your clothes should suit your face or vice versa so I have been meaning to buy a good brand of lipstick. Loud colors doesn't really suits my taste while very bare shades doesn't really do so much. It was a good thing that there was this lady at the store who applied all the products I want to my face and lips so I can decide if I want to purchase them.

Collistar is an Italian luxury make up brand that is popular in Europe but I am not sure if its available in the United States. It's definitely available here in the Netherlands though I haven't really seen it in Sephora or ICI Paris (or I just haven't look enough because I really dont frequent their make-up department).

Topgloss Stick® Highly glossy, extremely practical to use and with a sensual
plumping effect that exalts the fullness of the lips. A comfortable texture with
an ultra-brilliant finish for extreme sensuality. This gloss in stick form
combines perfectly the colour performance and handiness of a lipstick with the
brilliance and transparency of a lip gloss. It contains a mix of natural oils
and extracts which nourish, moisturize and give the lips an immediate sensation
of comfort and exceptional softness.

Collistar Topgloss Stick, EUR19,50

Anyway, first pick was the Collistar Topgloss Stick 1 in Caramello. Aside from it's lovely caramel smell, the lipgloss perfectly complements my light brown color. It gives a finish like the Black Onyi lipgloss I got from Zeeman but lighter, softer and last longer. It also makes me feel that my lips has more pout on it. Even when the lipgloss is already gone, my lips still retain the earlier coulour that Topgloss Stick gave it. It also has SPF 10 unlike my Blac Onyi so my lips gets protection from the sun which is very necessary now that Spring weather is getting very hot and summer is fast approaching.

The lipgloss comes in a brown and gold tube which is a bit old-fashion for me, something like a lipstick tube for old women. I actually saw some of my aunt's tubes with the same colours. I hope they became more creative with the design of the tube so I wouldn't mind pulling it out in public to re-apply. Not that I am complaining, oh well I am, but the tube is really a turn off.

FOR ALL SKIN TYPES
Perfect Hold Foundation
• waterproof • no-transfer
formula • SPF 10
This innovative foundation ensures exceptional cosmetic
performance while carrying out an extraordinary beauty treatment and protective
action on the skin. Its special formula contains hydrolyzed coral seaweed
extract which, in synergy with vitamins A, B5 and E, make the skin more elastic
and compact, effectively performing an ultra-moisturizing, energizing and
anti-age action. In addition, it guarantees a smudge-proof effect, radiant
colour and a perfect wear all day long.

Collistar Perfect Wear Foundation, EUR27,0/30ml tub

Next was the Collistar Perfect Wear Foundation Number 4 which was given to me as samples because I can't decide whether to get this other brand of foundation or wait for the Nivea Natural Beauty Moisturizer. Really, I fell for the advertisement tag, "clear, even skin without the foundation" and I am really desperate to cover up my scars. It looks so ugly in the picture.

I complained to the make-up artist that the number 4 shade of the other brand makes me darker but ironically the samples given to me were in the same shades. When first tried it this morning, it blended perfectly with my color and its as if I am not wearing a foundation at all. It's very easy to apply as well because it just slides to my skin and it feels very light on the skin unlike the other brand I was using before. Best of all, it doesnt cake when it's too hot (I used it today when the weather is around 22 degrees). This early, I am already loving this foundation. And oh! it also offers protection from the sun (SPF 10), pollution and external agents (at least that's what the back says).

I am going back to the store when my samples are finished. By that time, I would have already decided between the original choice which was Nivea Natural Beauty or shelve some more euros for this Italian brand. I'll keep you posted.

Burrito: Dinner a la Mexicano

Do you ever have those moments that you just don't want to exert so much energy in preparing dinner especially when you had a very tiring day? When all you want to do is throw all the ingredients together in the pan, wait for a little while and then sit back and eat your yummy dinner?

I usually shun at fastfood or instant dinner that you can easily get from Dutch supermarkets. Mom sometimes buy those dinner set which you can just throw in the wok, put the sauce and instant dinner in 10 minutes! I am used to having a well cooked food, with all the flavours incorporated into the meat or fish through simmering, marinating, broiling or baking. Of course these things takes time and when you had a tiring day, all you want to do is eat your dinner and rest. Waiting for the meat or fish to defrost, marinating and cooking them will eat up at least another one hour or more, and if you have a family waiting for dinner, you really don't want prepare that long.

I had one of those days when I don't feel like "really" cooking. Instead of stressing myself looking for a recipe, we just bought this El Tequito Burrito Dinner Kit, EUR2,99 from Lidl. It has 8 tortillas and the burrito sauce. MK still have ground beef at his apartment, a left over from the beef lumpia I made couple of weeks ago when MK's friend had dinner with us. With some other ingredients he have in the kitchen, we were able to come up with a satisfying dinner, had fun making it together and still had enough time to cuddle and watch our favourite TV show.

Ingredients

ground beef

corn kernels

red bell pepper

tomatoes

onions

olive oil

yoghurt

salt and pepper to taste

El Tequito Burrito Dinner Kit

Procedure

1. Heat the oil in the pan and saute the onions and ground beef till brown.

2. Add tomatoes and red bell pepper and cook for another 5 minutes.

3. Throw in the corn and add the sauce. Adjust the taste accordinglly. Cook for five minutes, take out of the heat.

4. Warm the tortillas in the microwave for about 1.5 minutes.

5. When the tortilla is warm, spread with yoghurt. Put some lettuce then add the burrito mix.

6. Sprinkle with cheese and serve.

The entire procedure took about 15 minutes, unlike my usual cooking and preparation time of one and a half hours. The meal was unexpectedly delicious and it even lasted until the next evening's dinner. Fast, easy to make and delicious! Don't we all love dishes like this?

What is Your Facial Care Regimen?

Honestly before I came to Netherlands, I do not have a regular facial regimen. When it comes to beauty regimen, I am the wash and wear type, if you can call it that. For hair care, I go for the shampoo and conditioner in one so that I don't need to spent more than 1o minutes in the shower. I do apply lotions when I am not in a hurry to go to an event (which is seldom) and I do not go to salons for regular trimming unless I need my yearly rebonding. I have my hair trimmed twice a year (or when I go for the rebonding) and I don't use hair products other than for the basic washing.

When it comes to my face, Im settled with Ponds products and rarely use other brands. I have been using foaming facial cleanser since I was 16 and just switched to a non-soap brand when a dermatologist told me after a peeling session. I eventually went back to Ponds because the other brand is a tad too expensive for me. I also do not use facial creams or scrubbing products on my face, for the basic reason that I am too lazy to spend that much time applying them twice a day. I would rather spend those extra time reading or writing and watching tv.

When I flew here, I didn't bring my Pond's facial cleanser so I have to look for another brand which is of course cheaper as I do not want to spend too much on these things. And because the weather proves to be an annoyance to my skin I have to look for products that will help this problem. My skin has became drier that everytime I step out of the shower, my face, especially my nose is flaking like after a sunburn.

That's when I discovered Lidl's Iseere products. I think I have enumerated enough reasons for loving them. And because they are so affordable, I do not mind buying the entire line of facial products, aside from the fact that they do helps keeping my face soft and smooth. Especially now that I am trying to erase all traces of the evil chicken pox from my face, I have regligiously follow a strict facial care regimen these days. I am sharing this to women who wants to maintain their youthful and beautiful skin but who doesn't want to spend too much on expensive brands.

Facial Scrub - It's only recently that I went to regular facial scrubbing. My choice of product for this is Iseeri Peeling Gel. It has Vitamin E and provitamine B5 which are known to be good for your skin. It has a very uplifting smell, simply adorable that I wouldn't mind using it everyday. There are blue beads that scrubs your face off the deep-seated dirt in your pores. After applying this, you will notice that your pores are smaller and your skin clearer. I use it three times a week. EUR2,69/tube.

Day Cream - For this one I use Iseere Q10 Moisturizing Day Cream. It has only been 1 month and a half that I have been using this product but I am already convinced that it works for my skin. My skinhas remained soft and smooth despite the changes in the temperature and my skin doesn't get flaky anymore. I use it every morning. EUR2,45/tub.

Facial Cleanser - Everynight I am mostly too tired to tae a shower or wash my face. So as not to sleep with all the day's dirt hiding behind my pores, I use Iseere Facial Cleanser with Milk. It's very convinient to use because you only need to apply it like a facial cream and take it off with cotton. You will feel a bit of stinging afterwards which for me proves that the product is working. You will notice that youre still is clearer. And because it has melk, you are sure it's gentle on your skin.

Facial Wash - At the moment I am using Douglas' Facial Foam in Frangini Scent. It works well with my skin and I love the scent. Best of all I bought it for only Eur3,45 which came with a facial toner and cream so there's nothing to complain. Since at the moment doesn't have in its stock an Iseere Facial Cleanser, Im sticking to this Douglas foam till it is finished.

If there is one thing about my face that I am currenlty so obssessed about is getting rid of these ugly scars left by the chicken pox attack I had last April. My face which is usually pimple free and scar free now has this big, dark scars, especially on my checks and jaw. Whenever MK takes a picture of me, no matter how nicely angeled it is, the first thing I would notice is my scars.

For this I am using the much advertised Bio-Oil Vitamen E product. It promise to get rid of these littekens in two months, if you apply it twice a day. Right now I am not only slathering it on my face but also parts of my body that still bore the ugly reminder of this late virus attack. So far, it hasn'n done its much publicized results. Maybe because I do not use it twice a day, only during the night but for EUR11.95/small bottle, it should work!

Now that spring is here and the temperature is reaching 24 on some days, I think that it is everybody's responsibility to protect their skin from the damaging effect of UV rays. It makes you age faster, that's enough reason for using one. At the moment, I am still sticking with the Nivea Sun Refreshing Fluid Protect with SPF 30. Thirty is the minimun SPF count that is recommended for the face. Some brands even goes up to 45 which is better but of course also more expensive. I bought this from the Philippines so I couldnt remember how much it cost there but according to the web it retails for rougly EUR11.

Oxygen Skin Therapy Day Cream - Ok, I do not have much to say about this one because I've only bought it couple of hours ago because it retails for only EUR1,99 from EUR12. Now wouldn't you say that's a real bargain? Oxygen therapy has been the hype for several years now because it allows aging skin to absorb more oxygen that it normally can when the aging process takes its toll on it. I personally haven't tried the product so I will get back to you on that.

So what about you dear readers, what is your facial care regimen? Is it effective from your point of view and how much does it cost you to remain beautiful?

Het is Een Lekker Weekend!

Inderdaad! It is a very nice weekend here in Netherlands.

And so yesterday we went to Rotterdam to do a bit of a shopping, walking and a coffee. The weather was very nice and until today, the sky has been nothing but clear. I think the temperature is around 24 yesterday and about 26 today. I spend the morning reviewing my lessons in the garden, basking in the glorious rays of sunlight and feeling almost like I'm back home. The only thing lacking is the beach.

What you need in this weather : een zonnebril

I understand now how Europeans, well the Dutch in particular can easily strip off their clothes when in a tropical country. In our beaches, we often see tourists sunbathing without their bikini top and most of us finds it amusing. Add to the fact that it is a conversative and religious country, we couldn't understand how they would want to bear their skin to so much heat.

This morning, I did excatly what they do, not entirely though. I went to the garden, stripped off my my pants and folded my shirt to bare my stomach and enjoy the sun. I've missed it so much and for a while I thought I can never experience the sun again here in Netherlands. I'm happy to be proven I was wrong.

een lekkere ijsje

Yesterday the al fresco cafe's are crowded but since it's now Sunday, the parks are filled with people. Probably all the Dutch are out, relishing this rare moment. I myself will go out this afternoon when the temperature is a bit lower.

and a gezellig al fresco cafe

I've heard from Mom and Dad that this temperature is not really normal in Netherlands at this time of the year. It's one of the effects of global warning, I reckon. But pardon me if I say that no matter if its normal or not, I needed this kind of weather sometimes. Cold and gloomy weather can dampen one's spirit, makes us lazy and sometimes unproductive. The sun just warms up everything and inspires me to write more stories. I know this is not going to last long, maybe tomorrow the "kut weer" is "terug" so everytime I can, I will enjoy this weather.

And I hope you do too. Kom buiten allemal!

Dim Daily voor Elke Dag Uit Eten

California Maki, EUR12,00

Today let me tell you about a dimsun restaurant that MK and I discovered in Rotterdam while we were dying of hunger at 1.30PM. I didn't have a solid dinner that night before and MK woke up late today so we weren't able to have a meal a home.

From Beurs we walked to the direction of V&D looking for a affordable restaurant where we can stuff our silly without spending too much. We initially plan to eat at Sumo in Kruisplein but decided against it after some thought.

5 Sticks on Fire, EUR9,95

Our hungry stomachs led us to a small Japanese-Chinese restaurant in red called Dim Daily. The inside is small, only four rectangular tables that can sit at least 4 people, another rectangular table near the window and 4 two-seater tables near the food counter. The bare, red walls and big, clear windows gives the restaurant an impression of space and life.

Yakitori Kip met Saus, EUR3,55

Ok enough of the boring description. Let's talk about the food, the menu that can be summarized in two words, delicious and affordable. You can have a full lunch meal for only EUR9,90 and a dinner set for EUR14,50. You might think that the taste is only what is the price is worth but my middle-class tounge can very well attest that you will enjoy this little dinner without being robbed by your hard-earned Dutch euros.

I would not speak anymore and let your eyes savour these pictures that I took before we devour them. Total cost for the lunch (and we took out 6 of those maki because we couldn't finish them) is EUR31,40 with two bowl of rice, an ice and an appelsap.

Next time you are in Rotterdam and you want to dine cheap but satisfied, visit Dim Daily. It is across Subway and to the left of Vroom and Dreesman (V&D).

Dim DailyRodezand

483011 AN Rotterdam

T: 010 - 280 90 26

Book Heaven: De Slegte

Two weeks ago I posted a topic in Expat about bookstores that sell second hand English books. I felt that I was already spending too much on my book buys and English titles very expensive in Netherlands, according also to H of LifeAbroad.



One of the members tipped me to a bookstore in Rotterdam called De Slegte which is located in Coolsingel. I visited the store last Wednesday but didn't buy any. Yes, I was ecstatic with such abundance of different titles in very affordable prices but that day, I just didn't carry any cash because I might just end up in Selexyz Donner again on a book buying spree. Today though MK and I decided to spend this heerlijk weer in the city on a shopping spree. Our first stop? De Slegte of course!

I guess the suppression I held the last three days reflected in today's buys. I can't believe I just carted away six books in one day. I know, I know, I still have the big book of Edgar Allan Poe but I already finished Kafka on the Shore and the The UnDutchables (which I still have to review) but I can't stop myself.


When I enter the store, charmed by the smell of the books and the stories that are awaiting to be read, I felt that I am succumbing to a mystic spell that I know I can't escape but which I still chose to accept. The place is such a book heaven, even better than all the nine floors of Selexyz Donner and have MK in tow, so that means some free books for me.

So dames and heren, here is the list of my new treasures and as much as it pained me to part with my hard earned euros, my love for books is far greater than my love for money.

1. A Casebook on Vladimir Nabokov's Lolita (Lolita is my second favourite movie) - 5,50.

2. The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne - 6,50.

3. The Writer's Way by Jack Rawlins - 10

4. Lullaby by Chuck Palahniuk (my third) - 5,05

5. Gekweld in Dutch (Tormented) by Chuck Palahniuk (my fourth) - 2,50

6. Fanny Hill by John Cleland - 2,99

Ok so two hours after that seemingly crazy book buying, I promised MK that I wouldn't buy another book in the next one month. But after 30 minutes I took it back and instead promise him that I wouldn't any book more than EUR3,00 in the next one month.

So tell me, do I have a book addiction?

Crazy for Tops

Sweater EUR8,99, Zeeman

Lately I had this unreasonable thought that I don't have so many tops and I must buy some. This must be influenced by MK's own tops whine that he doesnt have enough. This also caused an unjustified shopping spree for tops, whether I just spot it while walking in the town centrum or fully intending to buy one at any clothes store I walked in.

A month ago, while meeting a good fellow in Amsterdam, MK and I visited Zeeman to look for that cheap perfume that smells like CK One. which I discovered from an Afternoon in Delft. I had been wearing it for quite awhile already and by the amount I am using everyday, it was finished in a month.


Polo Shirts EUR1,99, Zeeman

Well the first thing that greeted me when we went inside was the polo shirt's box. While MK inspected other parts of Zeeman, I lingered in the shirt's box and inspected the items. The shirts came in different solid colours but they are not made from very good materials and not thick enough for this weather. But they look comfortable and would be perfect for summer. I was still having doubts but when I saw the price, all my hesitations flew out of the window.

I got two pieces for MK, a black and a red one. It flatters him really well and he was happy with it so I was also impressed with myself because I was able to part with my dear savings to make my love smile.

Aside from the polo shirts, I also spotted a sweater of fairly good design and asked MK if he likes it. Well he doesnt really have to speak because that grin in his face when he saw is confirmation in itself.

Black Turtle Neck Long Sleeve Top, EUR3.99, Kiki Riki

Red Long Sleeve w/ Deep Neckline, EUR5,00, Kiki Riki

In my recent sale alert, I also mentioned that my feet led me to one of my favourite bargain stores while I was hunting for a bargain item in CA. Actually I was already planning to go there one time and check out their new items on sale and yesterday I was finally able to get, not just one but two tops.

If you're familiar with my blog, you would have read how I raved about Kiki Riki in another blog post. When I came back, I snagged a lovely black turtle neck top which certainly flatters my figure and a red long sleeve top with a deep neckline. I absolute heart both of them since they are dirt cheap and the texture feels very good.

I think I had enough of tops for a while. Maybe I'm gonna stop buying them for a moment because I am currently switching to dresses. I'll spill with you my dress collection next time, especially the last one I got from H&M for only EUR9,00.

Weekend in Paris: Japanese Dinner and a Good Night Sleep

After depositing our bags in Hotel Campanile, our home in the next two days (hotel review here) we hurried outside to look for a restaurant. There are not so many choices in Boulevard Berthier, most are burger joints or Moroccan/Middle Eastern fastfood. We walked in to the first restaurant that we saw which offers real food. As amusing and ironic it may sound, we decided to eat Japanese food as our first meal in Paris.

The restaurant of choice was Soleil de Kyoto, a dimly lit dining establishment that offers genuine and very delicious Japanese cuisine. When we entered, the French speaking Japanese waiter greeted us with in his heavily-accented "bon soir" and ushered us to a four-seater table. Like the usual Dutch customary in restaurants, he first asked what we would like to drink. We ordered half a bottle of Cote du Rhone as our bodies are aching for something that can relax it.


The ober (waiter) came back with the wine and asked us to sample it. But hey with a stomach yearning for food, the need to decide on the quality of the wine is the last thing on our mind. Although the wine didn't disappoint anyway. So we ordered right away, the Petit Bateau, a plate of sushi and sashimi. It doesnt sound that much (yes, it is petit) but after devouring the plat, we realized that we're not that voracious when it comes to pigging out.

And of course like a true Asian, I have to eat my food with the rice, I ordered two cups of Gohan. I was thinking that maybe I can also eat half of MK's rice since he is not that fond with it. I was wrong, he ate half of mine!

As as side ordered we had Ravioli Japanese, a dish that I have learned to love despite the initial hesitation while I was still in my country.

You can say that it's just our stomach speaking and not our minds but we really find the food very delicious. The fishes were fresh, especially the tuna and salmon, the ravioli is nicely done, not undercooked or overcooked and the wine is fantastic. I don't know if Cote de Rhone is the best pair for seafood but I couldn't complain, and so does my stomach. It was a sumptous meal.

We finished the dinner with an order of Lychees and another order of half a bottle of the same wine which we took back to our hotel. When it comes to good wines, half a bottle is not enough for me. Our total bill? EUR42.90! Not bad eh, not expensive at all and we went out fulfilled.

Soleil de Kyoto

3, Boulevard Berthier

75017 Paris

T: 01.46.27.63.92

First thing I love about Paris: The availability of half bottle wines. I haven't seen any half-bottle wine selling in Gall n Gall, Albert Heijn or Lidl here. It can be very helpful especially for people like me who doesn't know when to stop when it comes with wines.

Campanile Paris Boulevard Berthier

Boulevard Berthier - Paris 75017 - France

T: 01.46.27.10.00

E: resaind@campanile-berthier.com

URL: http://www.campanile.fr/

Our hotel in Paris is comfortable enough. Just as long as it meets my requirement of cleanliness, basic amenities and a nice bathroom, I am fine with it. I think it didn't take long before we fell asleep, completly knocked down because of the long journey.

As a gazed down at the flickering lights outside my hotel window, I finally congratulated myself at being here in Paris. The city is lovely, even when if were not billeted in a hotel with the view of the Eiffel Tower. The spring air, the chic ambiance and the spirit that is uniquely Paris engulfed me, the excitement building up once again like a virgin on her first night and once again I began to dream about the City of Lights. But this time, I am going to wake up on it.

Sale Alert: CA Rotterdam

Yesterday when I went to Rotterdam to meet up with an acquitance to set an appointment for a business meeting between her and MK and to have coffee as well, I chanced upon a lot of people, women and Moslem women in particular, lining up in front of CA near World Trade Center. I was curious and when I did looked a little close (well you can actually see it from afar) sale signages are screaming on its window, the words that all women love "Alles moet weg, 50% korting!".

After the date with my friend I went inside to check out the items. I am not really a CA fan and I was disappointed even more with the clothes on sale. They are just not my style. I find the clothes a bit too old fashion when it comes to design. And of course there's still the problem with size. Most of the items are big for me so I didn't really get anything from the store.

Although I did a bit of a shopping also. I ended up at my favourite Kiki Riki Store at the end of Lijnbaan and carted away long sleeve tops, a black and a red one for only EUR9 for both. They are very lovely and they fit me really well.

I think Kiki Riki is closing down or is it simply renovating. The last time I was there, they still have pastkamers but now that part when they have the fitting rooms is gone and there's some construction on-going inside the store.

Either way, that's good for me because they are selling their clothes really low now. If you are in Rotterdam and have time for shopping (even window shopping) you might want to check out these stores.

The Dutch and Their Lamps

all images from Philippine Design Store (and all on 60% Korting)

One of the amusing things I have noticed in Dutch homes are their penchant for lighting. Their lighting system is well thought of, strategically designed in parts of the house which they want to highlight especially in the living room like the dining room (or space) and the living room. Good lighting is as important to a Dutch home as frietjes is to a Dutch dining table.

Their love for good lighting, ergo, translates to a love for lamps, which are mostly halogen, flourescent, or LEDs. Ask any Dutch and they would probably tell you what is the best brand for your house, in consideration of brightness, voltage, wattage (most especially because this is the one that measures the bill they have to pay) and average life. In my country, this is not really a big priority because when you buy the house, it's already installed with a lighting system.

In our house alone, there is at least two reading lamps and one floor lamp in the living room alone, two table lamps in both sleeping rooms and one hanging lamp in the dining room. That is because the family loves reading and it is very important to have a good kind of lamp which is not too bright to affect the mood for reading or too low that you will strain your eyes. It is Dad who always decides on the addition of lights and lamps in the house.

I wish I have the Dutch's penchant for lighting so when I already have my own house here, I would know how to make my home cozier and and perfect for rest and relaxation everytime I come home.

I Am Awesome!

Before the end of last week, I received my first ever award from H of Life Abroad. I am elated because it doesn't only mean that people do read my blog, they are also regular followers. To H, thank you so much for this!

Rules: List seven things about yourself that are awe-sum, then send this to seven other bloggers who you think are awe-sum.

1. I am a good cook. I have to follow recipes in order to discover new dishes but I can do so easily to have a decent and delicious outcome.

2. I love giving gifts. Whether it is a friend, family or my love, I would never have second thoughts on buying something I see on a store if I think they will like it. I don't really go for the very expensive stuff but hey it's the thought that counts. And I do it as frequently as I have money in my pocket.

3. I am born a writer and I love everything about it. My skills are my best asset and I don't think I can ever be anybody but a writer.

4. I am a master of multi-tasking. I can cook, write, talk in the phone and chat all at the same time.

5. I am a very sweet person. Just ask my friends and family, or MK. It is in the genes, my whole clan are a thoughtful bunch.

6. I am a good cleaner whenever I am in the mood. When I clean the house, you would expect its gonna be sparkling clean when Im done with it, not a dust will be left.

7. I am a funny woman, which I think is very important for a happy life. You have to be able to laugh and give laughter as well.

Whew, it's actually harder than I thought, thinking of things that make you awesome. But hey, we all have to know our best traits, don't we? And now for my list of other amazing people...

H of Life Abroad
Isa of A Touch of Dutch Daphne of Daphne's Diaries
Bchai of Sprite 24.7
Tutu of Tututa

Ok, that's just who I can come up at the moment. Pardon the laziness I just finished cooking.

Last Song Sydrome

This suddenly disappeared from my webpage. Again, I am inlove with Alexander Ryback of Norway and his stellar performance in Eurovision 2009.

Sundays are Family Days

Sunday is my favourite day of the week! Might seem an odd choice for an expat because Sundays in the Lowlands are boring (to say the least) because most shops and restaurants are close, save for some in the big cities. But its only during Sundays that the whole family is at home and I love sitting in the living room sharing the stillness of a Dutch home.

It must be a subconscious longing for my family that makes me look forward to every Sunday. Like in every part of the world, Sundays are family days although mine doesn't really go out to church or anywhere during Sundays. It's just that everyone is present at home and during my childhood we are not allowed to leave the house, even if members of the family mostly spent the whole day in their respective hobby (me-reading, sister-watching tv, dad-gardening, mom-ironing the clothes) it is the fact that the family is together that makes it extra special.

MK's family is not religious so we don't have the obligation of going to church. We start the day by waking up later than usual, at about 7.30 to 8:00AM if there's not any planned trip outside of the country (which by that I mean Belgium). Nothing is different in the breakfast either, just the usual cheese, cold meat, sometimes an egg, fresh orange juice prepared by Dad (he loves making them), a croissant for me and those hard breads for the rest of the family. MK and I usually wake up much later that the old couple and when we do, its almost just enough time to take a shower and have breakfast. After that, at quarter to 10, we will leave to visit Oma D in her lonely abode.

Oma D. is an 80 year old woman who is every inch a Zeeuws, one of the few who still wears those Dutch costumes on given occasions. She is already weak but prefers living alone. Every Sunday, we visit her, chat for a couple of hours or so. She is always sweet enough to offer and make us drinks even if she can hardly move comfortably around the the house. Her coffee is not near fantastic but the efforts she put on being such a good hostess is so admirable.

On my first two months of visiting her, I couldn't understand a thing she is saying but I do love going to her small house and listening to the loud conversations between her and the family. Sometimes, her other kids would join us and its such a delight hearing them talk in the Zeeland tounge. And oh aside from the conversations, one of our routine is looking out in the window, at around 10:45 Am and watch the Reformists walking back to their houses, dressed in their all-black ensemble complete with a black hat or a black tie. They are the strictly religious bunch in Holland who doesnt even own televisions in their houses and looks at the rest of the world as sinners.

We also go to Oma K, MK's grandmama on his father's side. Oma K. speaks a little English because she had traveled few times to Australia where some of her siblings now lives. Oma K is younger and quicker than Oma D and more cheerful at that. I giggle whenever I saw her because she likes calling me 'meisje' (little girl), not really referring to may age but to my height. One time, in one of her visits to the house, she brought me a box of truffels when she saw how I devour chocolates and then in another occasion, gifted me with a needle work, a picture of a house using different needle techniques, when she learned that I am fond of cross stitching. She is the sweetest Oma.

If you are living in Holland for a quite a while now, you must have noticed that they love offering you tea or coffee with cookies when you visit. Oma K has those beautiful tea cups that are more fun admiring that sipping from. Most of it she has kept for a long time and some she has recently designed. Oma K is fond of hand painting, doing it in her furniture, her tea cups and even her wall. She has quite a collection already. And like Oma D. she is also very sweet. Aside from the chocolates and needlework, she always gives MK some euros on special occasions.

Both Oma's keep photographs of MK, from his younger days until today. It's heartwarming looking at the photographs of their family hanging on the wall. I can just imagine how they would look at them during their alone time, reminiscing the days gone by and realizing how time had passed them by. It must have been very sad to be living alone but I guess they both have their reasons on staying the way they are. Sometimes I want to visit them on my free time and just chat with them but I doubt that we will have a fruitful conversation. My Dutch is not good for long conversations yet, and with these two old ladies, you need to be arm with a fairly good vocabulary to keep up with their talking.

After the visits to the oldies, we go back home and have lunch, which is always just soup and bread. This Sunday we had peanut soup which caused my stomach to go on a revolt. I think I must have spent two hours in the WC. It's just not my cup of soup.

Sundays (in addition to everynight) is also spent on reading. Mom and Dad go to the library once a week and borrow their weekly reads while I focused on my new books. I'm thinking that maybe I should also get my book from the library, otherwise I would be buying every good book that I can lay my eyes on. It's not really a cheap hobby.

When the family goes on a reading mode, the house is like a library. No sound can be heard from the human inhabitants and the cats only make low sounds while strectching atop the heater. As boring as it sounds, I love this simple moments in a Dutch home. The rest and relaxation that a quiet Sunday gives cannot compare to any amount of shopping high I get from any bargain.

The essence of fulfillment

(I would like to share an article on the web about the Dutch and their otherwise fulfilled lives.)

How would you like to live in a country where you have to schedule one month ahead to have dinner or coffee with a friend, where you couldn’t build your dream house without first being approved by the government’s architect, employees are charged up to 52-percent income tax, almost all stores closes at 6 p.m. and on Sundays and everything is expensive save for the bread and milk? Not the best place to live in right and not inviting at all! Ironically, The Netherlands, where I am currently residing, is the third happiest place to live in the world.

According to the latest survey conducted by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development based in Paris, Northern European countries like Belgium (10th), Norway (9th), Switzerland (7th), Ireland (5th), Sweden (4th), Finland (2nd), Denmark (1st), along with countries like New Zealand (8th) and Canada (6th), are top places where residents find fulfillment in their every day life. The survey quantified the overall satisfaction of citizens 15 years old and above from 140 countries in terms of six different forms of positive or negative feelings within a day. Included are questions that relate to earning respect, feeling of accomplishment and productivity and enjoyment of every day activities on a scale of 1-100. The median was 62.4. The organization concluded that economic health, as these countries score higher Gross Domestic Product and less unemployment rate than the rest, plays a key role in the happiness of the people but that’s not all to it.

The Dutch hardly look like they are the most satisfied people nor are they happy folks. In fact, they are often typecast as a close, cold, and stingy race. They are perennially complaining about the weather, the government and its rules and taxes and how prices are so expensive. But generally, they, as well as other Europeans, live in a balanced work-life attitude. Work is treated not just as a moneymaking venture but with utmost respect and genuine concern for the growth of the company hence the high productivity of Dutch/European workers. It’s unlikely that you would find them answering messages or calls which are not work-related. In return, companies do their best to make sure workers are happy, giving as many benefits as they can afford.

The 40-hour work week is strictly dedicated to performing their jobs. The rest of the time is devoted to rest, having an early dinner, watching the 6 p.m. news, and retiring to reading or drinking a glass of wine afterwards. Weekends are devoted to gardening or attending family or friend’s affairs. Travel is part of the yearly itinerary, at least twice a year, in summer break and winter for the average citizens—more often for the moneyed. They don’t worry about getting sick because health insurance covers everything or being jobless, sick or invalid because the government gives enough subsidies. The environment and security are top priorities of the government, employing enough personnel to keep The Netherlands a safe and healthy country to live.

But is satisfaction measured by such a boring routine or well-structured system? Don’t we always need to have friends around, reachable anytime of the day? What about the liberty to build a pink or orange house, have access to the malls, cinemas, and coffee shops 24 hours a day or at least till bedtime?

Probably not but those were some of the things I had to learn to live without in order to survive the Dutch way of life. Coming from a very democratic country, it was quite depressing at first to have so many rules to live with and not having as many fun activities as I was used to. Coping with the system (rules included) taught me how to value more essential things in life rather than settling for most of the time senseless things that only offer temporary happiness.

In The Netherlands, schedules are strictly observed because people want to have their own privacy to do the things that they love to do alone or with loved ones, like spending a quiet night drinking wine and talking about how the day went, a sunny (rare thing) afternoon sipping tea or coffee in the garden, enough time to enrich the mind with books or the daily walk or jog in the park to keep body and mind fit. These are the things that Filipinos generally enjoy in the company of friends but as I’ve found out, more enjoyable doing alone or with the closest person in your life (husbands, wives or children) as it gives more opportunity for family bonding. The Dutch value their immediate family, giving as much time as they can because these are the people that will truly stick with them through thick and thin.

It’s hard to make friends with the Dutch as it is with the French, if you don’t talk their language, and with the English, if you don’t get their droll wit, because they don’t forge superficial friendships. It takes long years and lots of trust to have one true Dutch friend, but he or she is also the one who will protect you at your lowest point.

In terms of money, the Dutch are very frugal to the point of being stingy. And it’s not only practiced by the people but by the monarchy themselves. Having an apartment with the basic amenities, money to travel and buy the basic needs, and a car to ferry oneself or family to office or school is usually enough to be considered a comfortable living. They don’t aspire for luxury cars, branded clothes, shoes or bags, the latest gadgets or expensive pieces of jewelry (in fact, they seldom wear one) as a means of happiness. But they put very high regard on education, as many of them pursue a double master or doctoral degree while working. I’ve learned to prioritize what I actually need over what I desire and persevere to learn as much as I can about the culture and the language.

Rules are a big part of the society. Although they are liberal in most matters like with sex, soft drugs, and religion, rules make sure that everything is kept in moderation. I have been questioned many times about my age when buying cigarettes because 16 years old and below are strictly not allowed nicotine or alcohol. You can’t buy them anywhere unlike in the Philippines and smoking in restaurants is prohibited to protect the lungs of non-smokers. The rules on garbage, cars, houses, and buildings makes the Dutch landscape organized and avoid unnecessary chaos including congestion and pollution.

While they complain about the taxes, they diligently and honestly pay it nonetheless because as a country operating in a socialist system, they know that taxes benefit the country and themselves in the long run. They have strong opinions about other religions (like Islam and Purists) and immigrants flocking to the country but keep it among themselves so as not to offend anyone. Most of the Dutch have either one or two international organizations they regularly help like World Wide Fund, Amnesty International or Children’s of War as their way of giving back to their otherwise comfortable life.

In conclusion, living in a wealthy country really does its part in keeping someone satisfied but generally, respecting other people, living a productive life and following the rules, is the key to finding satisfaction, in a well to do society or otherwise.

Mocha Chicken for Dinner?

This is my own version of Dave's Mocha Chicken a recipe which I found on the Internet while searching for chicken legs recipes. At first I was a bit hesitant (and so will you, I reckon) because chicken and coffee doesn't really go well together but I tell you, this one is a winner. You will enjoy it even you dont like coffee especially when it is served with steamy rice and some veggies on the side.

So happy experimenting!

Ingredients:
4 chicken legs
1/2 brown sugar
2/3 soy sauce
1/2 sherry
1/2 brewed coffee
1/4 olive oil
pepper to taste

I intentionally increase the quantity of sherry and coffee because I want my chicken to have a little more sauce which I put on top of my rice. We, Asian love sauces and we drip our food with as much sauces as we can because it adds more flavour to the rice or noodles.

Procedure
1. Mix the soy sauce, brown sugar, sherry, coffee and 2 tablespoon of olive oil. Make slits on the side of the chicken so it will cook faster. Place the chicken on the mixture and cover. Marinate for about 1 hour (more would be better but I dont have that much time till dinner).
2. Remove chicken from marinade and set aside. Transfer the marinade to a saucepan and bring to a boil.

3. Heat remaining olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with pepper, and brown on all sides in the skillet. Pour the hot marinade mixture into the skillet. Reduce heat, and simmer 30 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink and juices run clear. Cool slightly before serving.

4. Serve with rice or mashed potatoe and side dish. Great with Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon.

Book Review Part 1

As I am currently writing my first day (or night) in Paris, which is becoming a very long novel, I would like to share with you (sorry for the shameless plugging) or some of the books I was talking about in the last few days. Please click on the link to read the full review which is published in Triond.

It is only lately that I started writing reviews for the books that I read. Very good titles from great authors are the ones hardest review because you dont know if youre giving justice to their work or if your views are worthy of their work. But like how the old adage says, "to each his own"

Kafka on the Shore by Haruku Murukami

It was a thick book laying on the bestseller table at the ground floor of Selexyz Donner, the biggest bookstore in Netherlands. In its cover is a black cat with jade eyes and the author’s name who I am now familiar with is written in bold. I don’t think that the book has any plan to let me go so I held unto Kafka on the Shore until the counter where I paid both for it and for The Complete Illustrated Works of Edgar Allan Poe. Since Friday I never let go of it till I finished reading the 613 pages.

Kafka on the Shore tells of a boy who has an Oedipal prophecy from his own father, the sculptor who turned out to be the man named Johnnie Walker, the cat killer. According to the omen, he will murder his father and have sex with his mother and sister. continue reading

After Dark by Haruku Murukami

I picked up this particular Haruku Murukami book while I was on a book-buying spell last year at National Bookstore in the Philippines along with On Literature and How To Travel with a Salmon and Other Essays by Umberto Eco and Rant by Chuck Palaihnuk. It was on the top 10 on the bestselling novel list so I thought it might be a good read. It took me a while before I was finally able to read that book. It wasn’t really a priority since Murukami is a new author in my list.

After Dark centered on three young people whose lives are intertwined with events that took place during a particular day. Mari, a 19-year old anti-social who was reading a thick book at Denny’s restaurant in downtown Tokyo caught the attention of trombone player Takahashi. They have met before when Mari chaperoned her sister, the beautiful and popular Erin who was on a double date with Takahashi’s friend. Erin is currently on a comatose or more appropriately an extended Sleeping-beauty type of illness of which the cause is unknown to everyone.

The book also tells the story of a hardworking businessman who picked up a Chinese prostitute and ended beating her, making a way for Mari and Takahashi to do a little charity act for the woman in-charged of the love hotel. continue reading


A Partisan's Daughter by Louis de Bernieres

This is my first Bernieres book I have read but according to my research, he is an award winning author for his Captain Corelli's Mandolin published in 1993 and produced other novels like The War of Don Emmanuel Nether Parts, Birds without Wings among others as well as short stories. His latest is this novel which came out in 2008 and which will be made into film starring Scarlet Johanssen.

If there is one thing about the book that draws me intensely was its seamless narrative and vivid story telling that aren't so full of hifalutin words and abysmal metaphors like the works of Paulo Coelho. The words are simple but the thoughts are provoking and will greatly appeal to male readers who are not into mushy literature and dramatic stories. The book is a very easy read with a touch of history here and there and with a lot of distinctive English humor and perspectives. continue reading


Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

When Elizabeth Gilbert, writer of GQ and other US-based publications, decided to end her marriage, she didn't know where to go and how to start all over again. But a two-year yoga practice and her love for the Italian language set her destiny and straighten her path to personal and spiritual balance and love at last. She embarked on a journey to guiltless devour the gourmet (gelato, pizza and pasta included), tongue and places of Italy, search for her God in India and enjoy the best of both worlds in Indonesia, taking her readers tightly strapped with her.

Eat, Pray, Love is a funny, witty and un-touristic personal account of Gilbert's self-searching in the three countries that are familiar yet so foreign to most of us. Following this woman's travels is like being there yourself, experiencing the real feel of each and every places, eating the same thin-crust, chewy pizza in Naples, reflecting on the same pain and desires for personal peace in the Ashram and laughing with the old medicine man Ketut in Ubud. continue reading.

I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I did writing them (now that sounds familiar). I now have to stop writing the Paris for a while because I have to go to school. But before that, of course, I have to stop by Selexyz Donner cos somebody tipped me that on the third floor. there are sales on-going.

Sale Alert: Maison de Bonneterie, Amsterdam

Thanks to Life Abroad in her Masion de Bonneterie post, Ive learned about the on-going sale at this posh store in Rokin, Amsterdam. It was very timely since I have a planned trip to Amsterdam to have my bi-monthly Brazilian wax and thought it was best to drop by the place and rummage through the items on sale. I am looking for a nice pair of pants and MK also need a new pair. It makes travelling all the way from Zeeland worth the ride.

After the 45 minutes waxing session we walked back to the Dam and search for Rokin street. It was easy to find but takes about 15 minutes walk to the store. Me and MK are already tired from walking to Violettenstraat and a hungry because it's already 3PM and we havent had lunch yet.

We finally reached the place and true enough discount rates are plastered on its window. I quickly excited with the sight.

Maison de Bonneterie has three floors of branded clothes, all are currently on sale till June. The first floor consists of Men's clothes and ladies shoes. We first went to Ralph Lauren and search through their items on sale. Well actually, we head straight to the 50% korting corner. I have this principle that if its not 50% off then its not really worth my euros. Pardon the stingyness.

Stripe Bown Pants, X&More by Brax, EUR76.96

At first, MK didnt find anything that appeals to his distinctive taste in clothes. He is afterall 6'5 and finding a pair of pants that's of proper size and length for him is quite difficulty. He also didnt like the style of the pants, saying those were "opa's broeken". We move to another part of the first floor and I found a blue pair that he also finds nice. I quickly led him to the fitting room, sensing his annoyance because of too many people and hunger.

We have to wait for 20 minutes before a closet was empty. I spent this time looking for other pairs which he might also like. In another 50% off box, I found a striped brown pair, a brand from X&More by Brax. He instantly liked it but I still brought him the same style in another colour, blue this time.

The first pair I got was too tight, the second is just perfect but he wants the colour of the third. When I came back to search for the right size, I discovered it was the last pair. So he settled for the brown striped pants. It was on Manager's Special, meaning 30% off. I love the style and the fit and so does he.

Unfortunately I didnt find anything for me. The clothes are either too pricey for my taste or they dont fit me at all. I am petite, my waist measures 26 and I am only 5'1 so its difficult to find an Asian-sized clothes in a Dutch dress shop. I tried looking at the children's department in the thrid floor, after giving up on the ladies' in the second floor but to no avail. Even in the shoe department I couldnt see any style or design which is desirable for me.

I left the store a little sad with nothing but happy for MK because he now has a new pair after so many years. Ive been urging me for a long time to purchase a pair and when he finally yielded, we even had a discount for it.

Maison de Bonneterie

Rokin 140-142T:

(020) 531 34 00

http://www.debonneterie.nl/

And oh because I was so sweet, MK me a gift after three days after.

My favorite scent, Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue, also on sale in Bubbles, from EUR45 to EUR25

The UnDutchables: I Finally Have It!

I mentioned in the post below how my search for The UnDutchables last week yielded two precious addition to my collection but turned out nul for what I actually came in the bookstore for. And though I am currently very engrossed to my Kafka on the Shore (Im almost done with it), I visited another bookstore today, not really looking for anything but just to look at the titles. It always give me some sort of happiness going through books neatly lined up in the shelf.

The UnDutchables, EUR14.99, Ako

Well what do you know?! Right there at the bottom of the stocks fo Engels boeken in Ako, I found what I was looking for the other week, The UnDutchables. I was so ecstatic in finally finding a copy that I didnt really look at the price. Although its not according to my budget since Ive already spent quite some money last week, I was not a bit hesitant in paying for it because of its popularity with expats. I feel that, to get to know this country better, I should start reading about books from Netherlands ( and not just my textbooks!).

Reviews coming in a week. I am so excited since Kafka on the Shore is on its climax and The Undutchables is like calling me to its pages.

Discovered: Selexyz Donner

I mentioned in a latter post about how I let go of a lovely pair of skinny jeans that retails for EUR19 at H&M because its more than I can afford. Well I am like that with clothes. Call me a cheapskate but as long as I can find something cheaper, I will drop the more expensive item and settle for the more affordable. I think I also mentioned that in an earlier post, I dont find investing in expensive clothes such a laudable idea.

On the contrary I am not like that with books. Since my struggling years in college, part of my measly allowance goes to books. I often find good, cheap second hand titles in a shop called Booksale and other little bookshops in the Philippines, most of them aging and fragile in appearance. I love the feel and smell of old, second hand books with their oftentimes torn pages, small notes written by previous owners, and the dusty and moldy smell emanating from them.

Ive found great titles in these stores, including the Republic by Plato which I bought for only Php50 (EUR.90), Arabian Nights (I dont recall the price), The Complete Greek Mythology, Dante Alegheire's Divine Comedy,a book on Hinduism and magic, a first print version of Gabriel Garcia Marquez' One Hundred Years of Solitude, The Little Prince by Antoine Saint de Exupery, Les Miserable and other great titles that's quite hard to look in regular bookstores. I finished reading One Hundred Years of Solitude in two days, Les Miserables in three but until now Ive yet to cross over to the 12th chapter of The Republic (which unfortunately left at home) while Arabian Nights never saw its way back to my bookshelf when a college friend borrowed it.

Nonetheless, these books are possessions I hold dearest to my heart which can never be measured by any tag price of clothes, shoes or bags no matter how high which I will have in the future. They are treasures that I will always brag about till the rest of my life.

Ive influenced MK with Gabriel Garcia Marquez' works so we also bought Memories of My Melancholy Whores, a reprint of the Hundred Years, The General in His Labyrinth, Love in the Time of Cholera, and No One Writes to the Colonel in Spanish (still unread as I am struggling with my Spanish). Since my first purchase of books 6 years ago, Ive discovered other great authors like French writer Michel Houellebecq (Atomised, The Possibility of an Island), Chuck Palaihnuk (Rant, Choke, Fight Club), author Kurt Vonnegut Slaughter Five, Armageddon in Retrospect), Luis de Bernieres (The Partisan's Daughter) and Haruku Murukami (after Dark and my current read and his bestseller Kafka on the Shore). Ive also tried my eyes on Italian author Umberto Eco (How to Travel with a Salmon and other Essays and the ever difficult read on Literature).

These favourites doesnt includes works of fiction writers I became fond of in high school like Sidney Shieldon, John Grisham, recently Paulo Coelho (who I think is a cheap rip off of Garcia's style), Danielle Steel and so on.

I'm also fond of classic books like that of Shakespeare, the Bronte sisters, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens and the like who were introduced to me early in life, elementary years to be exact. Ive burned hours and hours in the library, in my own room, at the back of classrooms, even in the branch of a tree, and on our roof reading the works of this authors. In college, Ive concentrated on books like The Prince by Nicollo Machiavelli, The Art of War by Lao Tsu, 48 Laws of Power and The Art of Seduction by Robert Green, works of Mao Tse Tong, Lenin and Friedrich Nietzsche. Until now, I have their books stashed in a big closest in the living room of my apartment at home.

But my greatest literary influence and favourite author is the drunkard Gothic writer Edgar Allan Poe. In 4ht grade, I first encountered his short story The Cask of Amontillado and since then, I always crave for a Poe's dark short stories.

Last Thursday, while killing time before catching the train bound to Den Haag to join MK in his house hunting, I went to a famous Dutch bookstore called Selexyz Donner in Lijnbaan Rotterdam. It was not a coincidence because the day before, I actually searched for bookstores here in the Netherlands and Selexyz is said to be the biggest.

I wasn't disappointed with the size of the bookstore, it was all nine floors of books in every genre (well some floors are for audio) but it doesnt carry so many English titles (which is understandable because their target is the Dutch market). I was actually looking for The UnDutchables recommend by fellow blogger A Touch of Dutch but I was too afraid that my limited Dutch would point me to the right shelf if I asked information. So I just browsed in their rather good collection of English titles.

I was surpirsed to find at least two long shelves dedicated to Crime and Romance and just on shelf to General Fiction. Though I did find good titles. When my eyes caught Kafka on the Shore retailing for EUR8.95 I immediately grab it without seconds thoughts. Then I proceeded to look for more books. Anyway Ive saved up almost EUR20 for letting that pants go.

I was already solved to cart away a title called A Train to Lisbon when a gem caught my eye, there on a book stand gleaming in the light of flourescent was the Complete Illustrated Works of Edgar Allan Poe. I saw this one in the shelf of MK's college friend and boy was I so envious, salivating to have a copy of my own. He said he purchased it for about US$10 and about the same price, the book cost EUR8.95. This book contains all the short stories, some non-fiction and all the poems of my favourite literary figure. I am helpless at all cost, my heart just melts away at the sight of the book alone. So I carefully put the other book back to its place and head to the kassa.

I was one happy girl when I left the bookstore. There was no hesitation, no second thoughts when I went to the cashier and realized that I was spending almost the same amount that I saved up from that cute pair of jeans. Books are one of the things that truly gives me happiness. The feel of its covers, the smell of a new book, the blank spaces where I can write my name, address and telephone number in case it got lost, my ugly handwriting on its pages which sealed my ownership of it forever are just one of the greatest feeling I would want to experience over and over again.

Im already halfway through Kafka on the Shore and finished two other short novels from Edgar Allan Poe's. Sadly though, I dont have that much time anymore as I used to when I was in elementary or high school. I couldnt spend the whole weekend (day and night) reading my books or sneak to the cr during classes so I can go back to my reading. There are responsibilities that must come in between reading (or is it the other way around). I am quite heart broken with that but still I am very much thankful to have enough time to go back to my second love, reading.

Now since Kafka on the Shore introduced me to another author, Franz Kafka, I already have a new book in mind on my next trip to Selexyz Donner. Reviews coming up.